Suchir Balaji, a former researcher at OpenAI, has publicly criticized the company's use of copyrighted internet data for training AI systems, including ChatGPT.

Balaji advocates for increased regulation to protect content creators and ensure responsible AI usage amidst ongoing legal debates.

His criticisms resonate with a growing chorus of voices from celebrities, tech ethicists, and legal experts who express concerns over the industry's impact on copyright and society.

He warns that AI systems are reshaping the internet by replacing reliable services with flawed, sometimes inaccurate, AI-generated content.

Balaji left OpenAI in August 2023 after nearly four years, citing ethical concerns over the commercialization of AI products and their impact on content creators.

He concluded that OpenAI's reliance on copyrighted data is legally questionable and potentially harmful to the internet ecosystem.

In defense of its practices, OpenAI asserts that it builds its AI models using publicly available data in a manner compliant with fair use principles.

OpenAI is currently facing lawsuits from various celebrities and authors for copyright infringement, highlighting the contentious nature of its data practices.

Balaji argues that outputs from models like ChatGPT do not meet the legal standard of 'fair use' regarding copyrighted material.

Balaji emphasizes the need for accountability in AI development, particularly in light of the risk of AI-generated content proliferating misinformation.

The ongoing debate underscores the complex intersection of AI technology and copyright law, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and potential legislative action.

Balaji believes that AI companies are undermining the rights and commercial viability of individuals and businesses that create digital data used for training AI systems.